§ 69. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the serious consequences to producers arising from the slump in local market prices for eggs as, for instance, Swindon since the beginning of March; and what steps he is taking to safeguard the interests of producers during the spring glut period?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe prices during the last three weeks of first quality English eggs at Swindon market represent increases of 133 per cent., 38 per cent. and 70 per cent. on the average prices for the corresponding weeks of the three previous years. The corresponding percentage increases for the country as a whole were 86 per cent., 70 per cent. and 75 per cent. The present level of prices cannot, therefore, be regarded as unsatisfactory to producers. In reply to the last part of the Question my right hon. Friend has arranged for a publicity campaign to encourage housewives to purchase eggs in the spring for domestic storage, and in order to give confidence to traders who desire to undertake the cold storage of English eggs he has announced that in the event of the introduction of price control of home-produced cold-stored or pickled eggs next autumn or winter, due consideration will be given in fixing the maximum prices to the average spring price of home-produced eggs and to the costs of storage.
§ Sir P. HurdWould my hon. Friend say exactly what is the method of publicity given to this subject?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydBy extensive statements in the Press, and I hope the hon. Member will help us by speeches and otherwise in the country.